Christmas Concerts: For The Pleasure of Children and Parents too!

Today, we attended Elijah's Christmas concert - what a wonderful and special moment! The concert was scheduled to start at 1:00 pm, so I thought that by showing up at 12:30 pm, I would be able to get good places for us. Naive me! When I got there at 12:30 pm, the place was half filled with parents, grandparents and other relatives who were as excited as the children to be part of this special moment. Although I was a little disappointed with my location, I was not only happy to be there, but particularly amazed to see how most parents always make the time to be present at their Christmas concerts.

As the children were arriving at the scene, the excitement really filled the room. Parents started to take pictures and/or to wave to their children -- It is always so important to make certain that your child knows that you are there for him or her! So, you need to be visible...your son or daughter needs to know that you are there for him or her.All the children in Elijah's class were dressed as penguins - very cute little penguins ready to save Christmas. One of the most important parts of the concert was the play, "How the penguins saved Christmas". Elijah was one of the talking penguins, so he had to say some words - he was very excited and proud to be chosen for that. Even though he only said a few words, he really felt special. I guess, it doesn't take much to please a 6 year old boy!All the children in Elijah's class also had to perform two songs, including one in French, "Vive le Vent" -- I love this song (see video of the performance below). They also participated in a couple of other songs with all the grade 1 students from the school. All the children were so happy and eager to sing and perform in front of their parents and relatives.

I love school Christmas concerts. Children and teachers always work so hard to create such an unforgettable moment for parents and children. It's always a delight to see your child singing or dancing on stage - A wonderful moment for all parents.

I was born in Lima (Peru) into a classic catholic family where the mother stayed home taking care of the kids, and the father was the one working outside the home. So, I am both a scientist and a catholic who believes in God. Believing in God has helped me to pass through very difficult moments in my life, including facing all kind of abuses, that I now prefer to forget.

In 1996, I completed my Ph D in biological sciences (with a specialization in ecology) from the University of Montreal. Although I had the possibility of staying in Quebec to do a post-doc and perhaps find a job there, I accepted a faculty position at the University of Prince Edward Island (Prince Edward Island) just a few days after I completed my Ph D. This was probably one of the most important decisions that I have made in my life so far.

My husband and I got married in 2010 when I was 45 years old. So, I am now the proud step-mother of a fantastic 12-years old boy (from my husband previous marriage). My son, Elijah, was born in 2009. The birth of Elijah was that final step or issue that I needed to review my life priorities and reconsider my workaholism.

So, I know now that my family is my number #1 priority. Work is very important for me for many reasons, especially because I enjoy very much teaching and the interactions with students. But, I also know that a balance between work and family is necessary for me. I cannot be a good mother or a good wife if I put 65+ hours of work per week; I simply can't. Why? Because I want to be there for my husband, kids and also for myself.

At this point of my life, 49 years old, I want to feel that I have accomplished some of my dreams and not just dedicated my life to work. I want to be present, physically and mentally, for my husband and children. I don't want to wait until I retire to enjoy and live life.

Life is short and unpredictable. This is what I have learned over the last five years. I need to live now!